Thank you for contacting me about our trees and woodlands.
Trees protect us against flooding, provide habitats for our precious wildlife and are carbon capture machines. They are an important source of jobs, directly employing over 30,000 people and contributing more than £2 billion to our economy every year. In the face of climate change and the growing prevalence of pests and diseases, it is essential that we plant more trees and build their resilience.
The England Trees Action Plan 2021 works to ensure that we have 12 per cent woodland cover in England by the middle of the century, supported by over 80 announcements knitting together to create a comprehensive plan of action. Recent targets through the Environment Act 2021 go further, with the aim to increase tree canopy and woodland cover from 14.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent of total land area in England by 2050.
Ministers will ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places, that trees and woodlands are better protected, that more green jobs are created in the forestry sector and that people have greater access to woodlands.
The Government is spending more than £750 million by 2024-25 through the Nature for Climate Fund to help meet the commitment to increase tree planting, with the aim of planting 30,000 hectares per year by May 2024. I am aware that good progress is being made towards the target, with tree planting and woodland creation increased to around 2,700 hectares in England in 2021-22. Through the Nature for Climate Fund, a major £20 million funding package is being provided, which will fund 100 projects championed by tree nurseries, charities and businesses.
Finally, I welcome that the Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund will reopen for new applications in early 2023. This will see trees planted in rural areas, as well as in towns and cities.
Again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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